2000 FORD ESCORT fuel pump

²Be particularly careful if you are taking ªAntabuseº or other forms of
disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing gasoline vapors,
or skin contact could cause an adverse reaction. In sensitive
individuals, serious personal injury or sickness may result. If fuel is
splashed on the skin, promptly wash skin thoroughly with soap and
water. Consult a physician immediately if you experience an adverse
reaction.
When refueling always shut the engine off and never allow
sparks or open flames near the filler neck. Never smoke while
refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain conditions.
Care should be taken to avoid inhaling excess fumes.
The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can produce static
electricity, which can cause a fire if fuel is pumped into an
ungrounded fuel container.
Use the following guidelines to avoid static build-up when filling an
ungrounded fuel container:
²Place approved fuel container on the ground.
²DO NOT fill a fuel container while it is in the vehicle.
²Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container while
filling.
²DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel pump handle in the fill
position.
Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/8 turn on/off
feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it
stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
Maintenance and care
155

with the recommended octane rating, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of ªRegularº unleaded
gasoline. ªPremiumº unleaded gasoline is not recommended (particularly
in the United States) because it may cause these problems to become
more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Many of the world's automakers issued the World-wide Fuel Charter that
recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved performance
and emission control system protection for your vehicle. Gasolines that
meet the World-wide Fuel Charter should be used when available. Ask
your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the World-wide Fuel
Charter.
Cleaner air
Ford approves the use of reformulated ªcleaner-burningº gasolines to
improve air quality. These gasolines may contain oxygenates up to 10%
ethanol or 15% MTBE.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
²You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
²Your ªService Engine Soonº indicator may come on. For more
information on the ªService Engine Soonº indicator, refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
Maintenance and care
157

²Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
²Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
²Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading
(in kilometers or miles).
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in liters
or gallons).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:
Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total kilometers
traveled.
Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle's fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style Ð good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
²Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
²Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
²Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
Maintenance and care
159

Coolant
checking and adding ..............137
refill capacities .................141,175
specifications ...................176,177
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................43
Customer Assistance ................105
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................189
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................182
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............188
Getting roadside assistance ...105
Getting the
service you need ....................182
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................192
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................185
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............188
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................41
Defrost
rear window ..............................40
Dipstick
automati
c transmission fluid ................143
engine oil .................................132
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........176
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................104
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................119
Emission control system ..........161
Engine .................................177,178
check engine/
service engine soon light ...........9
cleaning ...................................172coolant .....................................137
idle speed control ...................146
lubrication
specifications ...................176,177
refill capacities ........................175
service points ...................130,131
starting after a collision .........106
Engine block heater ...................87
Engine oil ..................................132
checking and adding ..............132
dipstick ....................................132
filter, specifications .........134,175
recommendations ...................134
refill capacities ........................175
specifications ...................176,177
Exhaust fumes ............................88
Floor mats ...................................52
Fluid capacities .........................175
Foglamps .....................................42
Fuel ............................................153
calculating fuel economy .......158
cap ...........................................155
capacity ...................................175
choosing the right fuel ...........156
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................161
detergent in fuel .....................157
filling your
vehicle with fuel .......153,155,158
filter, specifications .........158,175
fuel pump shut-off switch .....106
gauge .........................................13
improving fuel economy ........158
low fuel warning light ................8
octane rating .............156,177,178
quality ......................................157
running out of fuel .................157
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................153
Fuses ...................................108,110
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............155
Index
195